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Testing the waters for fracking safety

Posted: Dec 12, 2012

Written by

The Denver Post

Colorado has been in the forefront of nearly every regulatory area governing hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas, and now it is about to move ahead — or perhaps we should say extend its lead — in terms of groundwater testing, too.

We think that's not only prudent, it's essential. We're also convinced that despite differences among the various parties to the discussions, a consensus should be possible. On Monday, the public may find out if such a compromise is in the cards when the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission holds a hearing to set rules for water sampling.

In an era in which fracking has become controversial and public concern, rightly or wrongly, is heightened as never before, Colorado needs a comprehensive system that secures data from every new fracking site.